Diurnal bat...in February? (1 Viewer)

Imaginos

Well-known member

• Feb 8, 2008

• #1

For a couple of days I've been seeing a bat flying outside where I work at about dusk time. I assumed it was a Noctule, given the time of day & the fact it seemed to be flying with very shallow wing-beats.

Today I have seen it flying at midday, this strikes me as rather unusual. There is a largish swarm of chironomids about at the moment which I assume it is feeding on. It is dark and has large, but not long, ears and seems to have a large tail too.

Anyone have any thoughts?

 

G

gyrfalcon

Forum Member

• Feb 9, 2008

• #2

That does sound unusual, but I guess if the weather was mild, and he was feeling a bit peckish, he took a chance.
Noctules have a distinctive wedge shaped tail. Are you in the south of England, in which case Serotine may be another possibility?

 

Farnboro John

Well-known member

• Feb 9, 2008

• #3

Not unusual: infrequently noticed but definitely usual. I've seen midday Noctules a few times on mild days such as we are enjoying at the moment.

When they are high and distant they can really throw you till you click that you're watching bats not birds!

John

 

G

gyrfalcon

Forum Member

• Feb 9, 2008

• #4

2 in a day.. another thread just popped up, with pics of a day flying bat.. they're like buses!

 

R

Rob Chace

Well-known member

• Feb 12, 2008

• #5

Saw a small bat today @ 11:45 hunting around a sewage works. Not a clue what type it was!

 

Imaginos

Well-known member

• Feb 18, 2008

• #6

Thanks for the responses, Having had a look at a few picture I'm pretty sure it was a noctule. Are bats tending to come out of hibernation earlier with the warmer winters?